MOFA clarifies over administrative officer’s visa forgery news

The ministry of foreign affairs has clarified its stance against an investigative report published in a national daily on the corruption of one of its administrative officers.
 
The report, published on 4 January 2021 in Daily Prothom Alo, mentioned that signature of an administrative officer of the ministry named Zakir Hossain appears on fake visas issued to nationals of several African countries. The official served at the Bangladesh High Commission in Nairobi, Kenya. 
 
A press release of the ministry claims that according to the report, the official had taken leave in a lien from the foreign ministry and was working for the UN-Habitat in Tanzania. But, the ministry says, the information is not correct.
 
The press release said that Zakir Hossain was asked to join the ministry after completing his term in Nairobi Mission.
 
"Because of the various allegations raised against him, it was decided to bring Zakir Hossain back to the country as a first step to take legal action against him. Despite the stand release order, Zakir Hossain extended his term in Nairobi office and submitted medical sickness certificate for an extended term," said the press release.
 
However, the ministry found his certificate as fake and filed a departmental case against Zakir. He is also facing departmental inquiry for absconding and misconduct in the light of the Civil Servants (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 2018, for not joining the ministry in time as per the instructions of the ministry and not informing about his position, the press release reads.
 
"In recent times, Bangladesh's political relations with African countries have improved and bilateral cooperation has increased in various international forums, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is aware of the activities of Bangladesh missions," the press release said.
 
"Following this, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against any kind of irregularities and is reiterating it," it added.